John Avire has been dropped from Harambee Stars squad that will play Uganda Cranes in an international friendly match on Sunday, September 8 at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
This comes after the striker failed to report to Stars camp following his inclusion in the squad by coach Francis Kimanzi. It’s the second time that he is snubbing national team call-up after failing to turn up for the 2020 CHAN matches against Tanzania.
Coach Francis Kimanzi now has Michael Olunga and Enosh Ochieng as his only available strikers. Jesse Were is a doubt after picking an injury in training.
Avire’s whereabouts remain unclear, the striker, who’s a Sofapaka player is reportedly in Egypt after reaching an agreement with FC Tanta. Batoto Ba Mungu have however refused to allow him to leave the club insisting that he remains their player unless the Egyptian club formally engages them.
His transfer saga saw Robert Muthomi step down from his position as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO after he was accused by Sofapaka for attempting to smuggle the player out of the country.
Harambee Stars squad for Uganda match
Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (St. George), John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks), Faruk Shikalo (Young Africans)
Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito), Evans Kibwage (KCB), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia), Brian Otieno (Bandari), Hillary Wandera (Tusker), Erick Ouma (Vasalunds), Amai Atariza (Bandari), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks)
Midfielders: Francis Kahata (Simba), Boniface Muchiri (Tusker), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Kariobangi Sharks), Collins Agade (Bandari), Cliffton Miheso (Gor Mahia), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia), Ayub Timbe (Beijing Renhe), Cliff Nyakeya (FC Masr), Erick Johanna Omondi (IF Brommapojkarma), Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz), Whyvone Isuza (AFC Leopards)
Forwards: Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol), Jesse Were (Zesco United), Enosh Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars)